Miami, FL — April 30, 2026 — Center Consoles Only (CCO), the largest independent voice in recreational boating, today announced a strategic investment from Slow Ventures through its Creator Fund, valuing the company at an eight-figure valuation. 

This milestone marks a defining moment not only for CCO, but for the broader marine industry as the company expands beyond media into a full-scale platform with the launch of BoatsOnly.

Founded by Alan Blanco alongside Brian Gonzalez and Eric Taggart, CCO has grown from a grass roots Instagram page into a category-defining media powerhouse, fueled by a deeply engaged community of over 1.5 million followers.

What started as a passion project sharing boating content has evolved into something far greater, a trusted ecosystem spanning boaters, captains, dealers, brokers, builders, and creators. 

“This is a milestone for everyone who’s ridden with us since day one,” said the team. “None of this happens without the community. This is your win too.”

With more than 55 million monthly views and proven influence across the industry, CCO has already demonstrated its ability to drive real business outcomes.

The launch of BoatsOnly represents the next phase, building the modern infrastructure the marine industry has been lacking.

BoatsOnly is led by the founding team of CCO- Alan Blanco, Brian Gonzalez, and Eric Taggart, alongside Caroline Cozier, an industry executive with deep experience across OEM, dealer, and marine retail operations.

Together, the team brings a unique combination of audience ownership, industry relationships, and operational expertise positioning BoatsOnly to execute at scale.

BoatsOnly is designed as a full-stack platform that combines:

- A two-sided marketplace connecting buyers, dealers, and OEMs

- Verified dealer and manufacturer profiles

- Integrated social community and content ecosystem

- Dealer SaaS tools including DMS, CRM, and digital closing solutions

- Embedded financing and transaction capabilities

The investment reflects a broader shift happening across industries, where creator-led businesses are transforming legacy markets.

In boating, recent consolidation and rising costs have left gaps for innovation. CCO and BoatsOnly are positioned to fill that void with a platform built by the industry, for the industry, powered by trust, authenticity, and community.

“This is bigger than a single brand,” the team added. “We’re building the platform the marine world deserves, one rooted in the lifestyle, the people, the water, and everything surrounding it.”

With the backing of Slow Ventures, CCO and BoatsOnly are accelerating development, onboarding dealers and manufacturers, and expanding their ecosystem ahead of major industry milestones.

What began with a single post has evolved into a movement and now, a platform poised to reshape the future of boating.